Final answer:
Choosing between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans during Washington's presidency would depend on one's views on the role of government. The Federalists advocated for a strong central government while the Democratic-Republicans supported limited government powers to protect states' rights and individual freedoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the presidency of George Washington, two distinct political parties emerged, The Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. If one were to align with a party, the choice would reflect their views on government power and the interpretation of the Constitution. Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, advocated for a strong central government, believing this would create economic prosperity and stability. In contrast, Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, favored a limited government, fearing that excessive power could lead to tyranny.
Debates over Hamilton's financial plans and the nation's foreign policy during the French Revolution were central to these divisions. The Federalists saw the government as an agent of change, while the Democratic-Republicans were concerned with the preservation of states' rights and the possible erosion of individual liberties. The question of which party one might support would depend on one's own principles regarding economic control, foreign policy, and civil liberties.
Historically, these early party philosophies set the foundation for the U.S. two-party system, though the specific issues and platforms of parties have evolved over time. Examining the differences between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans help understand the fundamental political divides that continue to shape American politics.